America's Best Classic Barbershops

Gabby's (Chicago)

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Credit: Nick David / Getty Images

Blood is thicker than pomade at this Windy City mainstay where Wayne Kauffman has employed a dozen of his family members since taking over the shop in 1991. The decor is classic – pistachio green walls and classic green leather barber chairs – and the atmosphere is laid-back. People line up around the block for the haircuts, which include straight-razor cleanups around the beard edges. Cash is the only acceptable currency here. No credit cards, no checks. Also, there are no appointments; it's first come, first served. Customers walk in and write their names on Kauffman's perpetually full chalkboard. [Cuts, from $14. Beard trims, $5; 2860 N. Clark St., 773-549-8832]